10 Things Chrome OS Needs to Break into the Enterprise

A version of Google's Chrome OS tuned for business users might be made available to enterprise customers in 2011. But if the OS is to be successful, Google needs to improve its appeal to corporate customers. Take a look at the essential features Chrome will need to make it in the business world.

Reports are suggesting that Google Chrome OS for enterprise users will be
available in 2011. Google has yet to make a definitive statement on it, but it
seems rather likely that the search giant will work toward offering the service
sooner rather than later, so it can capitalize on the burgeoning netbook market
in the corporate world.
The enterprise has waited too long to find a viable alternative to Windows.
And although it still has a long way to go, Chrome OS might just be that
alternative.

Windows is the dominant player in the enterprise. It's relied upon by
companies looking for increased productivity and compatibility with
applications. Simply put, Microsoft has cornered the corporate OS market, and
Google will need to work hard to break into it.

Let's take a look at some of the features Chrome OS must boast when it's
eventually offered to businesses.

1. Speed

If there's
anything that corporate employees really want, it's speed. They want to be
able to perform tasks as quickly as possible, so they can get on to the next
one. Currently, Windows is a little slow. Google can capitalize on that. If
Chrome OS runs quickly enough on a netbook, the company could use it as a
marketing tool. Make it fast, Google. That's step one.
2. Power

Chrome OS will be running on a netbook at first, so we can't expect too
much power from it. That said, corporate employees need more than an average,
run-of-the-mill consumer-friendly netbook. Even on a mobile PC, corporate needs
are greater than those of consumers. Google needs to realize that and improve
its operating system accordingly.
3. Compatibility

It's extremely
important that Chrome OS work with legacy products companies are currently
using. It's understandable if older devices or peripherals don't work, but
some products will be necessities for companies. Part of the reason for
Microsoft's dominance in the corporate space is its compatibility with all the
hardware and services that companies currently employ. If Google even wants to
make a mark in the enterprise, it needs to work on compatibility.
4. Strong support

Companies will undoubtedly have trouble with Chrome OS. Since its something
totally different from Windows, employees will run into issues that could
cripple their productivity. That's precisely why a strong support system is so
necessary. IT professionals need to be able to contact Google with issues and
have the Web company respond with actionable solutions. Microsoft's customer
support might not be the best on the market, but it works. Google's must work
too.

Don Reisinger is a freelance technology columnist. He started writing about technology for Ziff-Davis' Gearlog.com. Since then, he has written extremely popular columns for CNET.com, Computerworld, InformationWeek, and others. He has appeared numerous times on national television to share his expertise with viewers. You can follow his every move at http://twitter.com/donreisinger.